Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps.
1. Please switch auto forms mode to off.
2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc).
3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow.
You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

Hurricane Rita Status Update Saturday, September 24, 2005

September 24, 2005

Because conditions (communications, transportation, and power) outside the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) have not been declared safe by local city and county government officials, people who sought shelter at the MEDVAMC are strongly advised not to leave the VA Complex.

The MEDVAMC suffered no physical damage from the storm; only one tree down and two minor leaks. The Facilities Management Service Line is currently working to correct an electrical problem affecting half of the main building.

At this point, our medical center staff is switching gears in order to be ready to respond to emergency conditions east of Houston. There is a possibility we will receive patients from the hurricane-affected areas.

All MEDVAMC employees, both essential and non-essential, should now check in with their status, location, and contact information by calling 1-866-233-0152. Operators will be available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

The Veteran Health Care Hotline, 1-800-507-4571, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This phone number may also be used by family and friends of veterans requiring information about patients from those VA facilities affected by Hurricane Rita. Veterans may call with questions such as where to access health care, how to receive their prescription drugs, or any other concerns they may have about their care.